Jan Ray

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at the Vine Street Christian Church, 249 S. Vine St., Arthur. Rev. Dawn Ingram will officiate. Burial will be in the Arthur Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Vine Street Christian Church in Arthur. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.

Jan was born on Sept. 24, 1949, in Decatur. He was a son of Willis "Dude" and Helen Jane (Piper) Ray. He married Margaret Alice Elder on July 17, 1970, in Sullivan.

He is survived by his wife, Alice Ray of Arthur; one daughter, Janet Ray of Arthur; three grandchildren, Madeline, Lauren and Vincent Ray; and one brother, Jerry Ray and his wife Gwen of Arthur.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jason Ray; and his sister, Jackie Lauterjung.

Jan was a member of the Vine Street Christian Church and served as church elder and moderator. He was a member of the Arthur Masonic Lodge and the Kaskaskia Country Club.

He served on the Douglas County 911 Board and had served as Bourbon Township supervisor, Arthur chief of police and as the Arthur village administrator for several years.

Jan served the Arthur Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years, having been a past chief and served as an Arthur Fire Protection District trustee.

He was an avid promoter of the Arthur Athletics for several years. He coached many baseball teams, softball teams and football teams. Jan was the announcer of the home football games for several years.

Jan was considered by many as a pillar of the community. He always wanted the best for the village of Arthur and was always willing to help out wherever he could. He had a love for the community like nobody did.

His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and friends, and cheering for his beloved Cubs and Illini.